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The Eyrie Vineyards

In January 1965, 25-year-old David Lett arrived in Oregon with 3,000 grape cuttings and a theory that he could successfully grow grapes in Oregon's cool climate. He planted the Pinot Noir vines in the Willamette Valley that year in a nursery he established in Corvallis while he began a search for the perfect place and climate to grow Pinot Noir. At the time, he was selling textbooks and was driving from one college to the next and while driving around, he would dig soil samples and test them. In 1965, he found an abandoned prune orchard in the Dundee Hills, and the fooling year started transplanting the Corvallis-based cuttings to establish The Eyrie Vineyards along with the assistance of his wife Diana.

David is credited with the first plantings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris in the Willamette Valley. The Eyrie Vineyards, founded by David and Diana Lett in 1966, is located in the Dundee Hills. David Lett established Oregon's reputation for producing fine wine both domestically and internationally and became affectionately known as "Papa Pinot."

Jason Lett took over from his father, who passed away in October, 2008, and became the winemaker with the 2005 vintage. A graduate of University of New Mexico in botany, he had intended to pursue a research path, but ended up back in Oregon at his father's side. He had winemaking stints in France, Germany, Switzerland and New Zealand. The quality of the wines has not missed a beat. Jason also handles the vineyard management for the estate.

The wines emphasize balance, harmony, restraint, elegance, and age ability. Traditionally, the Eyrie wines were reticent upon release, but winemaking changes instituted by Jason has made the wines more approachable early. These changes include longer fermentations and indigenous yeasts which he introduced at Eyrie.

Production, which includes an Estate and Estate Reserve (Original Vines) Pinot Noir, is close to 10,000 cases. 55 acres of vineyards are owned and 95% of the wines are estate grown. The wines have decent retail distribution and are sold at the tasting room in McMinnville.

A Cellar Certification program is ongoing to inspect every bottle of the approximately 6,000 cases of wine that David Lett held back beginning in 1970. Prices range from $75 to $450.

Reviewed Wines

2014 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Chardonnay

12.5% alc., $27.
·Very light golden
yellow color in the glass. Highly mineral-driven on the nose with a hint of lemon. Light and restrained, with an
elegant presentation of pear, citrus, spice and nutty flavors. Very slightly creamy on the palate with some
persistentScore:90.
Reviewed September 7, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

2014 The Eyrie Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $37.50.
·Light cherry red color
in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, savory herbs and toast arrive with more intensity over time in the
glass. A little riper fruit profile than the 2013 version of this wine with both red and blue fruits. Nicely
balanced, with integrated tannins and a trail of herbs on the finish.Score:89-90.
Reviewed September 7, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.0% alc., $60. The
oldest vines in the Willamette Valley are among the last surviving remnants of the Draper field
selection, a French import from the 1930s that is now extinct outside of the Willamette Valley.
·Light
golden yellow color in the glass. More aromatic, with scents of fresh apple and citrus. A restrained,
balanced style that strikes an impression on entry and mid palate with juicy flavors of apple, pear and
citrus. Smooth and polished, with an apple driven finish of uncommon length.Score:93-94.
Reviewed September 7, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

2013 The Eyrie Vineyards Outcrop Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $45. Named for the
underlying outcrop of rock ridging perpendicularly to the hillside. Outcrop overlooks the original vineyard. 5
acres planted to Wädenswil clone between 1982 and 2000. Elevation runs from 280’ up to 360’ and faces north
to northeast.
·Light cherry red color in the glass. Highly savory nose with toasty oak in the background. Elegant
and harmonious, with both red and blue fruits brought to life with a backing of good acidity. A thread of herbs
and flowers plies the background.Score:90-91.
Reviewed September 7, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

2013 The Eyrie Vineyards Sisters Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $45. Named for the three
Pinot sisters on the site: gris, blanc and noir. 4 acres planted in 1987 to Pommard and Wädenswil clones.
Elevation 220’-330’, with southern exposure.
·Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Enticing aromas of
cherry, cranberry and rose petal lead to a light to mid weight style offering vibrant flavors of red cherry,
strawberry and herbs framed by tight acidity. The wine has a “mineral” tone.Score:90-91.
Reviewed September 7, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

2013 The Eyrie Vineyards Rolling Green Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $50. Named for
David Lett’s father Roland Green Lett. 5.1 acres of Pommard and Wädenswil clones planted in 1988. Elevation
is 540’ to 720’ direct south facing.
·Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. More “mineral” driven, with
aromas of iron, herbs and cherry leading to a mid weight style with more evident fruit intensity and tannin.
Deep cherry flavor complimented by a thread of graphite and herbs, finishing with noticeable intensity.Score:91-92.
Reviewed September 7, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

2013 The Eyrie Vineyards Daphne Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $80. Named for a
very dear and longtime friend of Eyrie. 1.5 acres planted to Pommard clone in 1974. Elevation is 820’
to 860’ with the most wind exposure. Hilltop soil is very shallow, averaging less than 10 inches on top
of large boulders at 820’. Last of the single vineyards to ripen with tiny clusters.
·Moderate reddish
purple color in the glass. Soaring aroma of black cherries. Intense flavors of dark red and black
cherries and purple berries backed by modest tannins and framed by juicy acidity. I was quite taken by
this beauty.Score:93-94.
Reviewed September 7, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.0% alc., $80. Eyrie’s
original vineyard, and the home of the hawks that grace the Eyrie label. 7 acres planted to Wädenswil,
Pommard and Tout Droit clones. The oldest Pinot Noir vines in the Willamette Valley. Elevation runs
from 260’ to 410’ and faces south rolling east and west.
·Light cherry color in the glass. The most
sophisticated and nuanced wine of the single vineyards tasted here, with aromas of cherry, blueberry,
and herb garden. Extremely enticing in the mouth, with focused flavors of red and blue fruits that are
layered and persistent. Impeccably balanced with an extremely lengthy finish that separates this wine
from very good.Score:93-94.
Reviewed September 7, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

2012 The Eyrie Vineyards Daphne Vineyard Pinot Noir

Named after friends. 1.5 acres of Pinot Noir at 820’-860’, one of the highest vineyards in the
Dundee Hills. Planted in 1974. Produced in 2001, 2008 and 2009 and 2012 vintages.
·Moderately dark reddish purple
color in the glass. Complex nose featuring aromas of black cherry, Herbs de Provence, spice and iron.
Intensely fruity featuring a core of sweet blackberry fruit accented by earth and minerals, and a bold finish.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

2012 The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines The Eyrie Vineyard Pinot Noir

7 acres at 260’-410’. Planted between 1965 and 1985. Wines produced from
these vines were labeled Reserve until 2005 when the name was changed to Original Vines.
·Moderate reddish
purple color in the glass. Very savory, with considerable dried herbs and tobacco notes accented with core of
cherry fruit. Juicy with modest tannins and noticeable finishing length. Needs several years in the cellar.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

2012 The Eyrie Vineyards Outcrop Vineyard Pinot Noir

Formerly the Eason Vineyard now owned by Eyrie, named after an outcrop of
volcanic soil. 5 acres at 280’-360’. Planted in 1982-2002. Unknown clone, possibly Wädenswil 2A.
·Light
reddish purple color in the glass. Darker fruits are featured with a subtle smoky, iron undertone. Balanced
tannins and easy to like now.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

2012 The Eyrie Vineyards Sisters Vineyard Pinot Noir

Named after the three Pinot sisters: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier. 4 acres
at 200’-360’. Planted in 1988-1989.
·Light cherry red color in the glass. Scents of cherry and baking spice
leading to an impressive attack and finish. Bright acidity, with a hint of herbs and plenty of tart cherries on the
finish.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

2012 The Eyrie Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $30. Aged 12 months in
French oak barrels. Unfiltered.
·Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. This relatively lean wine
is true to the Eyrie style. Aromas of cherry, raspberry and herbs are echoed on the fresh and
delicate palate. Modest tannins, complimentary oak, and an impressively long finish with aromatic
goodness lasting over half a minute.Score:90.
Reviewed July 6, 2014ARTICLE&nbsp»

2012 The Eyrie Vineyards Rolling Green Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $60. One of five
estate vineyards. 6 acres at 540 to 720 feet elevation planted in Nekia clay loams overlying basalt cobble.
Ungrafted Wädenswil and Pommard clones planted in 1989.
·Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Quite
savory, with an earthy flora aroma dominating the nose. The mid weight core of spiced red and black cherry
fruits offers an intense attack and notable presence on the mid palate. The honed, matched tannins make for
easy drinking, and the juicy finish is uplifting. A bit more earthy, herbal and oak-infused than fruity at present.Score:91.
Reviewed February 26, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

2010 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Blanc

13.5% alc., $16.75.
·A delicate wine with subtle aromas and
flavors of apple, herbs, and nuts, soft and slightly creamy on the palate, finishing fresh and lively with a slight
spritz. Good.Reviewed September 12, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

2010 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Meunier

12.5% alc., $35. An unusual varietal bottling for Oregon from 1.5
acres of the original vineyard plantings. Label is written in David’s hand. Very little production and sells out
quickly.
·Aromas of red berries and cherries with a smoky accent. Light and delicate with flavors of red fruits,
tobacco and herbs, lifted with bright acidity. Not to my taste, but extremely popular with consumers. Decent.Reviewed September 12, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

2010 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $36. A blend of grapes from all estate vineyards.
·Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of herbs and oak dominate the fruit at present. Crisp and juicy
on the palate with a delicate core of tasty red cherry and strawberry fruit, finishing with a savory herbal tone.
Supple tannins make for easy drinking now, but this wine will benefit from a few years in bottle. Very good.Reviewed September 12, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

2010 The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines Reserve Chardonnay

13.5% alc., $45. A barrel selection.
·Shy
but pleasing aromas of fresh lemons and fig. Fresh and minerally, offering flavors of fresh green apple, lemon
and hazelnut, backed by a good cut of acidity, finishing with a lemon-driven flourish. A connoisseur’s wine that
will challenge the senses. Enjoyable now, but will age easily ten years. Very good.Reviewed September 12, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $33,
released April 2011.
·Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Reserved, but attractive
perfume of raspberries and black cherries. A well-crafted wine that is refined and supple in the
mouth, offering a vivid explosion of raspberry fruit that lingers until the next sip. The fruit seems
“alive.” Very good (+).Reviewed June 10, 2011ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 The Eyrie Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $35.
·Moderately light reddish-purple color in
the glass. Demure aromas of fresh cherries, herbs and rose
petals. Soft and delicate in the mouth with charming red cherry
fruit flavor, finishing long and dry with a slight cut of citrus and a
riff of herbs accenting the red fruits. A reserved and elegant
offering in the classic Pinot Noir mold that is easy to embrace. Very pinotesque.Reviewed November 2, 2011ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 Black Cap Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 700 cases, $47.25. A cuvée of grapes from the Dundee Hills AVA and
Eola-Amity Hills AVA (Cattrall Brothers Vineyard). All grapes are the product of organic viticulture and ownrooted
Pommard and Wädenswil clones. A New World style of Pinot Noir first crafted by Jason in 2002.
·Fragrant aromas of ripe dark cherries and berries. Moderately rich array of dark red and black fruits with toothsticking
tannins. A little heat shows up on the nose and finish. Decent.Reviewed September 12, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate “Original Vines” Reserve Chardonnay

13.5% alc., 196 cases, $47,
released April 2011. A selection of 8 barrels.
·Light straw yellow color in the glass. A restrained style with shy
aroma of lemon curd. Crisp, clean and juicy with primarily delicate citrus flavor and undertones of apple and
pear and oak. Noticeable minerality. Shy fruit on the bright finish. Serve with veal or white fish. Good (+).Reviewed June 10, 2011ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate “Original Vines” Reserve Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $60. Released April 2011.
·Moderately light reddish-purple hue
in the glass. Enticing aromas of strawberries, raspberries and melon.
Perfectly balanced with a charming array of Pinot fruits showing more
restraint than the Estate bottling, but offering more long-term potential.
The epitome of the Eyrie style with a sexy silkiness, elegance and a touch
of terrior-driven dried herbs on the finish. Showing a little oak vanillin now due
to its young age. The harmony and breeding predicts a long cellar life ahead.Reviewed June 10, 2011ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines Reserve Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $61.50. Aged in 100% neutral
oak barrels, lending the reserve wines a unique aroma and flavor profile.
·Light reddish color in the glass.
Complex aromatic display of cherries, raspberries, tea, herbs and dried rose petals. Reserved but captivating
on the palate, with a core of black cherry fruit accented by savory herbs, underpinned with good acidity, backed
by mild tannins and offering notable length on the finish. A little more fruit density than usual for this bottling
reflecting the warm vintage. A special wine that is very age worthy.Reviewed September 12, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.5% alc., $75. Originally named Stonehedge, the
Daphne Vineyard is located above the original plantings about 400 feet higher in elevation and is a marginal
site. Planted in 1979 and 1980, it has 13 acres of Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir (1.5 acres of
Wädenswil and Pommard). David Lett first made a Daphne Vineyard Pinot Noir in 2001 but didn’t particularly
like it, and didn’t release it until years later when it was sold to wine club members. Jason found an old stash
in the winery’s warehouse. It was produced in 2008 and 2009, but not in 2010 or 2011 (acidity too high).
·Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. A very generous wine with vivid aromas of red berries and rose
garden. More body and intensity than typical for Eyrie Pinot Noirs, featuring copious dark red berry and cherry
fruit with a subtle note of oak, finishing dry with impressive length and show of black raspberry flavor. A special
wine made in the Eyrie style but amplified, changing with every sip and showing impeccable balance. Flat-out
great.Reviewed September 12, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.5% alc.,
$78.75. From a 1.5-acre block planted at the crest of the Dundee Hills by John Sonetky in 1974. Rocky soils,
and densely planted vines. Typically the grapes from this block go into the Estate blend but the excellence in
2009 led to declaring it as a single block reserve. This wine has been made only three times since the vines
were planted. The 2009 wine is dedicated to Daphne and John Sobetky.
·Moderately light reddish-purple color
in the glass. The nose is not very giving, showing some smoky oak. A middleweight core of fruits including
plum, pomegranate and blueberry are backed by bright acidity and caressed by firm tannins. Currently
showing more oak trim than I like and unusual for a wine made by Jason Lett. The most impressive feature is
the length on this wine which is of Grand Cru quality. Tasted again later in the day and the following day from a
previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine improved slightly but not at all like a bottle I sampled at the
winery in July which led to my purchase. I suspect an off bottle and withhold judgement.Reviewed November 24, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

2008 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $28.75. A
blend of four Eyrie estate vineyards with an average vine age of 29
years.
·Noticeable increase in reddish-purple color in the glass over the
2007 vintage. Very fruity, even sappy dark berry aromas with a hint of
fresh herbs. Ripe, sweet and more masculine with a pleasing blend of
spices and black fruits, restrained but firm tannins, and impressive
aromatic length on the generous finish. Still fine the next day from a previously
opened and re-corked bottle. Very good.Reviewed June 10, 2011ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.5% alc., $30.25. A blend of four estate vineyards
with an average vine age of 29 years.
·A red-fruited aromatic profile is
accented by notes of herbal oak and pine needle. Moderately rich on
the palate with vivid dark red berries, plums and savory herbs singing
in harmony, framed by a spark of acidity. Elegant and approachable
now, this is a solid wine with exemplary Eyrie style. Good (+).Reviewed January 27, 2011ARTICLE&nbsp»

2007 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir South Block Reserve

Picked October 5, Brix 23.1º, pH 3.44. For sale. Moderate weather
throughout the summer and fall. David’s final cuvée. He blended this wine shortly before he passed away, and
it was re-barreled for a further 16 months before bottling in 2010. Atypically, this wine included some whole
cluster inclusion.
·Very light reddish purple color in the glass. Stem inclusion is evident in this wine with a leafy,
herbal note on the nose and palate. Very smooth and silky, with a core of red cherry and strawberry flavors,
picking up interest and intensity over time in the glass. Still young.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.5% alc, 209 cases, $33. 8 barrels from the original vines first rooted in 1965.
·Deep golden yellow color. Aromas of lemons, oak char, flint and wax. Attractive
flavors of pears, lemons, vanilla wafer with a grip of minerality and grapefruit on
the back end. Welcoming richness, slightly creamy in texture with bracing acidity.Reviewed August 5, 2009ARTICLE&nbsp»

2007 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate “Original Vines” Reserve Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $60.
·Very lightly
colored in the glass. Oak dominates the gentle fruit aromas and moderately rich flavors with a noticeable scent
of caramel and chocolate and oak-spiced red fruit on the mid palate. Soft and elegant. Some length on the
slightly bitter finish which leaves an impression of dried herbs in its wake. May pick up interest and intensity
with further age as many 2007 Oregon Pinot Noirs have been prone to do. Good.Reviewed June 10, 2011ARTICLE&nbsp»

2006 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

1,670 cases, $33. Yields of 2.2
tons per acre of fully ripened fruit. This is the estate’s “young vine” cuvée, with vines
averaging 20 years in 2006. Aged in mostly neutral French oak for nearly two years.
·A bit
austere and quite elegant typical of the Eyrie style. Tart red cherry and cranberry flavors
accented by herbs and stem spice with distinctive aromas of wildflowers. Better matched with
food than sipped alone.Reviewed December 17, 2008ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.5% alc., $55. Sourced from estate vines planted between 1967 and 1973.
·Light ruby color in the glass. Aromas of fresh cherries, toast and herbs.
Moderately light and elegant with appealing flavors of cherries and strawberries
with an accent of savory herbs. Silky in texture with a good grip of acidity and
mild tannins. An austere style that will appeal to lovers of delicate Pinot Noir.
Very good (-).Reviewed November 29, 2009ARTICLE&nbsp»

2005 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir

Picked September 14, Brix 20.1º, pH 3.50. For sale. Dry winter, wet spring, uneven
grape set and modest yields of 1.5 tons per acre. Jason’s first vintage has the winemaker in charge at Eyrie.
·Light purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry mash, herbs and tobacco. Mid weight flavors of black
cherry, ripe strawberry and the faintest oak with a touch of herbs on the finish. A bit austere. Sorry Jason, but
my least favorite Pinot Noir.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

2004 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate “Original Vines” Reserve Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. David Lett’s last vintage.
·Very light reddish-purple color in the
glass. Moderately intense aromas of black cherries and spice with red
and purple fruit flavors that show good density, length and persistence. A
very subtle note of dried herbs and oak bring up the finish. A marvelous,
beautifully balanced and elegant Pinot Noir. The star of this tasting.Reviewed June 10, 2011ARTICLE&nbsp»

2004 The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines Pinot Gris

Picked September 24, Brix 23.2º, pH 3.44. For sale. Very cool weather in
the season kept the crop relatively low, while a dry, hot summer put sugar levels higher than expected. Cooler
temperatures and a small amount of rain right before harvest helped to tame the sugars and promote flavor
ripeness.
·Golden pink color in the glass. Inviting aromas of tropical fruits, grilled lemon and toasty nuts.
Impressive freshness and balance with tasty flavors of pineapple, banana and citrus framed by lively acidity.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.0% alc., $60. A vintage marked by extreme weather
patterns. Reduced crop levels.
·Very attractive aromas of dark red cherries
are echoed on the palate with added notes of raspberries and baking spice,
and a hint of oak char. Perfectly soft, smooth and understated, even
sensual and seductive. Impressive and packed with pinotosity. Currently
available for sale on the website.Reviewed August 5, 2009ARTICLE&nbsp»

2003 The Eyrie Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $25. Winemaker Jason Lett.
·Unusual scents of mushroom and sherry. Medium ruby in color and light in weight, the elegant flavors are
complex featuring strawberries, leaf, cigar box and sherry. An atypical Pinot Noir that is already showing
secondary characters and is not for everyone.Reviewed January 30, 2008ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.0% alc., $50. One of
Oregon’s most unusual and challenging vintages. There were more 100-degree days than ever before creating
the hottest vintage anyone had ever seen. Hot winds out of the Columbia Gorge accelerated sugar
accumulation. The deep-rooted Eyrie vines managed to pull through the year fine.
·Light garnet color. Demure
but pleasant fresh red cherry and berry aromas. A delicate wine that is light, soft and smooth with restrained
but ample acidity. The elegant red cherry and cranberry flavors are appealing. This wine avoids the problems
incurred by a number if producers who were shouldered with overripe fruit, high alcohols and low acids caused
by the very warm vintage.Reviewed August 5, 2009ARTICLE&nbsp»

2002 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate “Original Vines” Reserve Pinot Noir

13.0% alc..
·True to the Eyrie style
with a very light reddish-purple color. Shy, but lovely aromas of red berries, baking spices and rose petals.
Bright acidity lifts the flavors of cranberries, cherries and pomegranates with herbs dominating the delicate
finish. Holding up nicely. Good.Reviewed June 10, 2011ARTICLE&nbsp»

2002 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Chardonnay

Picked October 22, Brix 22.6º, pH 3.29. For sale. Perfect crop levels, warm and
dry summer. One of the Willamette Valley’s finest vintages.
·Pale golden yellow color in the glass. Bright
aromas of lemon curd, creme brulee and Asian pear. Crisp and refreshing on the palate with vivid flavors of
citrus fruits and a subtle thread of leafy herbs. Well-endowed with acidity, the wine’s finish is clean and thirstquenching.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.0% alc..
·My notes on this wine fill an entire page but I
will summarize here. Moderately dark butterscotch yellow color and clear
in the glass. Engaging aromas of butterscotch, buttery brioche, toast,
grilled peach and vanilla. An amazing array of intense flavors meet the
palate with tastes of lemon, white peach, hazelnut, apricot, nectarine,
and creme caramel. Surprisingly fresh and vibrant with an old
Chardonnay veneer that astounds. Silky smooth in texture, with
seamless pride, and a lip-smacking finish. I stuck it in the refrigerator
after tasting and revisited it the following day. The nose was a little more
funky, but oh my, the palate was still stellar and my wife and I finished
the bottle with a big smile. This may be the greatest old domestic
Chardonnay I have ever tasted. Honestly, I liked this wine more than any
of the other more recent Oregon Chardonnay offerings reviewed in this article!Reviewed July 9, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

13.0%
alc., $50. The Eyrie Vineyards was established in 1966 and is the oldest continuous
producer of vinifera wines in the Willamette Valley. Founder David Lett recently retired
after 37 vintages. His last vintage was 2004, with son Jason Lett taking over the
management of the winery beginning in 2005. The Reserve wines are typically released
several years after the vintage.
·This delicately crimson-colored wine sneaks up on you. At
first pass it seems light and acidic, but it grows on you as it expands and evolves in the
glass. The nose is quite shy, offering tart cherries and dried herb aromas. Very light and
lean on the palate, the red fruits are backed by baking spices, roasted nuts and savory
garden herbs. A distinctive style that won’t appeal to those who prefer bold and fruity
Pinot Noirs.Reviewed September 15, 2008ARTICLE&nbsp»

1998 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir

Picked September 30, Brix 23.8º, pH 3.50. For sale. Warm winter temperatures, late
spring rains reduced grape crops by 50%. Quality was outstanding but quantity was limited. First vintage after
college for Jason.
·Light reddish purple color in the glass. Very floral perfume leading to flavors of cherry and
plum. Still quite fresh and even a little tight, with balanced tannins and noticeable citrus-driven acidity.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

1995 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Chardonnay

Picked October 9, Brix 21.0º, pH 3.44. For sale. A good growing season with rain
at harvest.
·Pale golden yellow color in the glass. Shy aromas of citrus and pear. More giving on the palate,
with flavors of lemon curd, Asian pear and green apple framed by balanced tannins and acidity. A subtle vein
of green herbs peeks out in the background.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

1992 The Eyrie Vineyards South Block Reserve Pinot Noir

Picked September 5, Brix 23.0º, pH 3.60. For sale. The hottest year
in Oregon’s brief viticultural history, including the warm 2014 vintage. Earliest harvest ever for Eyrie. The
challenge was preserving the elegance of the fruit in a year with a shorter ripening span.
·Light reddish purple
color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of black cherry pie glaze, strawberries and spice. Ripe flavors
of purple grapes, strawberries and boysenberries. Very elegant with bright acidity and inviting intensity and
length on the finishReviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

1991 The Eyrie Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

Picked October 10, Brix 22.6º, pH 3.31. For sale. Extended ripening
season. 87% Estate.
·Very pale salmon orange color in the glass. Very enticing perfume of tropical fruits,
roasted nuts and caramel. Good attack and palate presence with flavors of citrus, pear and apple. Very fresh
and vibrant with balancing acidity and a refreshing finish. Amazing!Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

12.5%
alc..
·Moderate apricot color and clear in the glass. This aged wine leads with aromas of peach pit, Nutella,
buttered toast and nuts. Smooth and balanced, with clean flavors of nectarine and other stone fruits, grilled
grapefruit and caramel. Still quite enjoyable, with a nutty, slightly sherry toned finish.Reviewed July 9, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

1989 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Gris

This might have been the most amazing wine I tasted this day.
I have never smelled anything like this wine with its exotic aromas that included cooked banana, roasted nuts,
and caramel. Soft, creamy and luscious on the palate, tasting of the best banana split you have ever had, this
wine wove together a complex flavor experience that was impossible to adequately describe. This one wine is
worth a visit to The Eyrie Vineyards tasting room. Unbelievable.Reviewed September 12, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

1986 The Eyrie Vineyards Barrel Reserve Pinot Noir

Picked November 22, Brix 19.0º, pH 3.84. For sale. Not released previously.
Perfect bloom, warm to hot summer, rain in last two weeks of September causing some panic. Grapes picked
before and after the rains. The wine spent 18 additional months (30 months total) in barrel. Chaptalized a
modest amount to get sugars up to 22.0º.
·Light purple color in the glass. Aromas of purple grape and spice
lead to rustic flavors of red and blue berries and red plum with an herbal vein in the background.
Complimentary oak, modest tannins, and a sweet finish filled with fruit.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

1984 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Chardonnay

Picked November 5, Brix 18.4º, pH 3.50. For sale. Extremely cool year with a damp
October. Miraculously, the grapes came into the winery warm and dry. 65% Eyrie vineyards. Chaptalized.
·Golden orange color in the glass. Aromas of marzipan, sherry, nuts and vanilla wafer. Flavors of blood
orange, lemon and lime framed by a good cut of acidity.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

1983 The Eyrie Vineyards South Block Reserve Pinot Noir

Light rose color in the glass. Vibrant aromas of
cherries, rose petals, fennel and leather glove. Very expressive nose for such an old wine. Aged flavors of
brandied cherries, spice, and tea, finishing with a subtle herbal note. Impressive longevity.Reviewed September 12, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

1983 The Eyrie Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

Very pale salmon color in the glass. Delicious flavors of apple and pear,
Incredibly alive and vibrant with perfect balance and some finishing power. Amazing!
·Very pale salmon color in the glass. Delicious flavors of apple and pear,
Incredibly alive and vibrant with perfect balance and some finishing power. Amazing!Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

1980 The Eyrie Vineyards South Block Reserve Pinot Noir

Picked October 17, Brix 23.4º, pH 3.62. For sale. Late bloom with
considerable rainfall in June. Warm summer with warmer than usual early October. Yields 0.8 tons per acre.
·Moderately light purple color in the glass. Appealing scent of purple berries and spice. Demure but delicious
flavors of sweet plum and berry, brewed tea and a touch of floral goodness. Well-structured with some
finishing power. More pedigree than the Reserve.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

1977 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Chardonnay

Picked October 17, Brix 23.2º, pH 3.26. Not for sale. From 4 rows of original
plantings. Cool spring with set in early July. September gave twice the normal amount of rain with gradually
cooling temperatures extending into October.
·Pale golden orange color in the glass. Aromas of stewed apple,
nuts, and caramel. Apple-driven flavors slightly faded with very bright acidity and a dry finish.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

1976 The Eyrie Vineyards Barrel Reserve Pinot Noir

Picked October 29, Brix 23.5º, pH 3.60. 22 cases, never released. For sale.
Protracted coolness in September and October captured all the flavor possible for this vintage. In David’s
opinion, 1976 and 1975 were the best of the decade. Aged 3 years to soften tannins.
·Light purple color with
slight bricking of the rim of the glass. A delightful wine with considerable charm remaining, offering an elegant
array of cherry, tobacco, tea and dried herb flavors framed by mild dry tannins, finishing with a bright, cherrydriven
finish that lingers.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

1973 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Chardonnay

Picked October 12, Brix 21.8, pH 3.43. Dry and relatively cool from April through
June. Moderating temperatures in August and slightly warmer in September with 3 inches of rain in the third
week. Cool until harvest.
·Pale golden yellow color in the glass. Very delicate, with citrus, green apple and
roasted nut highlights, finishing bright and clean.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

1972 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir

Picked October 4, Brix 22.5º, pH 3.53. Not for sale.
·Light purple color in the glass
with slight bricking of the rim. A delightful aged wine with flavors of cherry, tobacco, tea and dried herbs.
Admirable elegance with mild dry tannins and a thirst-quenching finish.Reviewed February 28, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»